I’ve had a lot of questions come through about going to the Farmer’s Market since my last post about 10 Reasons Why I Love The Farmer’s Market so I thought I would create a new list to help everyone out once they get to the market. I double-checked with my market this weekend and they are going to be open till the end of October so there is still time to check out your local market.
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| Some of the items I purchased at the market. |
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| View down the first row at my market |
1. This one may seem obvious, but it serves as a good reminder. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You will also need to dress for the weather. This is an outdoor market and not a grocery store. There is no climate control and you will be walking some distance. Sunscreen is also important even in the fall. The kids and I have come home with pink cheeks a few times. Oops!
2. Get there early. The vendors bring a limited amount of items with them. If you want to get the best selection, earlier is better.
3. Park as close as possible. This goes along with getting there early. Remember, you won’t have a shopping cart and if you decide to buy that heavy watermelon or extra basket of tomatoes, you may want to run it back to the car and not break your back dragging it across town.
4. Some markets may be more sophisticated than others, but most only take cash as payment. I use this as my method of setting a budget. I can only spend as much money as I take with me. I use this little writstlet purse I have and put my cash in there each week. Some weeks I use a little less than the budget and have extra for future weeks. This method forces me to plan ahead and not make too many impulse buys.
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| My bag |
5. It is also important to bring a bag. Once again……..no carts. The vendors will give you plastic bags, but carrying all of those plastic bags is a pain. I prefer to use my insulated reusable grocery bag. I throw it over my shoulder and then have my hands free for making my cash purchases.
6. Make sure you don’t overbuy! I made this mistake when I first started shopping at the market. I wanted everything because it was so gorgeous! When buying fresh and especially organic foods, remember they only last a few days or up to a week. I used to shop once a month, but because of my new way of eating, I have changed to shopping once a week. The last thing you want to do is buy lots of beautiful produce and then throw it away beause it’s done bad. I’ve done it and it broke my heart. Make sure you only buy what you can use or preserve ( by canning or freezing ) during the week.
7. Take the kids. OK…….so now most of you are thinking that I must have lost my mind! Perhaps, I have, but this is not an example of that. I’ve found that bringing the kids slows down my pace so I can take the time to look around. I’ve also noticed that the vendors are more likely to strike up conversations with me when I have the kids with me. The same method works with dogs, but many markets do not let dogs in. Check with your local market on their rules regarding pets.
8. For me, becoming a regular customer at a few booths happened naturally, but I suggest it as a strategy. By being a repeat customer, you will develop a relationship with the folks working at the booths which makes it easier to ask questions. I also see it as a perk because the kids and I sometimes get free samples to taste and other freebies thrown in our bag.
9. Create a routine. The first few times you go to the market, you will want to wander the entire market to see all it has to offer. However, as time goes by and there is more and more to “Juggle” you will want to know exactly where you are going and what they generally have. I start at my main organic stand and get as much as I can there. I then head down to a local farm’s booth and fill in some additional items there. By this time, Lil C is bugging me about cookies and I let him pick a plate out from the Amish ladies where I buy my 100% real maple syrup. The cookies they make are still treats, but made with all REAL ingredients. I love that. I then head back up the aisle glancing at additional booths where I may or may not stop on my way to my favorite cheese vendors. I end my trip at The Tea and Honey Company where I get my honey and of course, our favorite cup of lemonade to carry out with us. I can now make my sweep through and still make it to morning football games.
10. Ask questions. There are some markets that are “growers only” markets. These are the best because you know everything is grown locally and not shipped across the country. My market is not a growers only market so I have to ask questions. Is this local? Is this organic or grown using organic methods? Many smaller farmers don’t go to the cost of become Organic Certified but may still use organic methods of farming. How would you store this? How would you cook this? Can I freeze this? How would I do that?What do you like to eat? These folks really know their food. Use them as a resource and make sure you know what you are putting in your mouth.
I hope that helps some. I know I was a bit nervous when I headed to the market for the first time, but it was so worth it. Make sure you join our blog at the right so you don’t miss our next episode. Leave a comment below with your market experiences or your intention to try it out. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page. Until next time………Keep Juggling!
I've been shopping at my Farmer's Market for about three years – but I've just recently gotten SERIOUS about it. Now I'm going to teach myself to buy meat there. 🙂 Good tips!! Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Fresh Foods Link Up.